Bracknell Forest Cuts Emissions by 14%!

Bracknell Forest Council has cut the greenhouse gas emissions from its own fuel, gas and electricity use by 14 per cent in a year, down to the equivalent of 2,394 tonnes of CO2 in 2025.

That covers heating and powering council buildings and fuel for council operations. The authority is still working towards its target of reaching net zero emissions by 2030.

Measures include heat pumps at Great Hollands Library and a redeveloped Commercial Centre with solar panels, a green roof and electric vehicle charging points.

The council has also trialled hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in one of its waste collection vehicles. According to the council, HVO can produce between 80 and 90 per cent fewer emissions.

Following the trial, the authority plans to introduce HVO across its waste collection fleet during 2026/27.

Separate government figures show emissions across the wider Bracknell Forest borough fell slightly in 2024. Councillor Ryan Frost, cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said he was pleased with the progress.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter